Teresa Smith, a Thalidomide survivor, is taking to the skies to raise money for premature babies. Born at just 28 weeks with no legs and short arms, she was initially given just two minutes to live. Despite the odds, she survived and has since led a full and meaningful life. Her story is a testament to resilience and determination. Teresa's journey is intertwined with the Thalidomide scandal, one of the world's biggest drug scandals. The drug, prescribed for morning sickness and back pain, caused a range of disabilities in babies, including limb deformities, facial disfigurement, and damage to internal organs. Teresa's parents, unaware of the drug's effects, received little support when she was a toddler. She met other Thalidomide survivors at a special educational needs school and later became a social worker, advocating for improved care for disabled people. The UK government's public apology in 2010 was deemed insufficient by Teresa, who believes more needs to be done to recognize Thalidomide survivors and improve their care. Teresa's charity challenge involves piloting a small plane over Liverpool Women's University Hospital to raise funds for neonatal equipment. This personal connection to the cause, driven by her own experiences with premature birth and the challenges faced by Thalidomide survivors, makes her mission all the more impactful. Her story highlights the ongoing need for support and awareness for those affected by Thalidomide and premature birth, and her efforts to raise funds and awareness are a powerful testament to her resilience and dedication.
